Standoff at SUPKEM offices as rival factions clash over access to premises
By Barack Oduor |
The drama began when the faction led by Yusuf Nzibo arrived to get entry into the offices following a court order recognising him as the legitimate chairman of the council.
There is a standoff at the Supreme Council of Muslims (SUPKEM) offices in Nairobi following a clash by two rival factions over access to the office premises.
There is a heavy police presence at the offices as the authorities seek to maintain order as the two factions; one led by Yusuf Nzibo and another by Hassan Ole Naado tried to gain access to the office.
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The drama began on Monday morning when the faction led by Yusuf Nzibo arrived to get entry into the offices following a court order recognising him as the legitimate chairman of the council.
Security officers at the SUPKEM offices in Nairobi on February 19, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor)
"We are here to get access into our offices with the protection of police because we're complying with the court order recognising me as the chairman of the council," said Yusuf.
He added that the wrangling had given the council a bad reputation.
Yusuf said that the registrar of societies wanted to reconcile his faction with that of Hassan Ole Naado but there was still no agreement, leading to the court case.
"We want to access the offices peacefully yet people are blocking us who claim to be SUPKEM officials," he said.
A security officer looks at the court orders from one of the rival factions at the SUPKEM offices in Nairobi on February 19, 2024. (Photo: Barack Oduor)
Police later denied access to the two camps which created tension, leading to the closure of most businesses near the Islamic House, Njugu Lane where the SUPKEM offices are located.
Yusuf's faction, with their lawyer Hussein Yusuf who had the court order, bitterly protested why police who were at the scene denied them entry.
"Hassan Ole Naado has been using the judicial system to frustrate legitimate SUPKEM officials using police and goons," they claimed.
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